Business Crime Prevention

Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature. This
can be physical contact, verbal comments or non-verbal action.
If you are being harassed
• Tell the person to stop the behaviour.
• If you are uncomfortable about doing this yourself, have
a colleague with you or ask the colleague to speak to the
person privately on your behalf.
• Express your views by writing a letter to the person,
asking for the behaviour to stop. Ensure your letter is
written in a professional tone. Keep a copy of the letter.
• If the person harassing you is a co-worker, speak to the
person's supervisor.
• If the person is a customer, consider issuing
a trespass notice.
If the behaviour does not stop:
• Most unions have policies on sexual harassment and are
able to provide assistance to union members.
• If you have an employment agreement you will find there
are grievance provisions which you can take up with your
employer. These can be resolved in the Employment
Court if satisfaction is not achieved.
• Seek advice from your union representative, Equal
Employment Opportunity liaison officer (if your
organisation has one), or from the Human Rights
Commission.
• You can lay a formal complaint with the Human Rights
Commission which may then take the case to the Equal
Employment Tribunal.
• If you fear for your safety, report the harassment to
the police.
32 BUSINESS CRIME PREVENTION